Enhancing ESP writing skills through the use of Termsoup: An exploratory study

Abstract

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into educational settings, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools are gaining recognition as valuable aids in language learning. This study introduces Termsoup, a CAT application, as a tool to support learners in bridging the gap between disciplines or subject areas within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) projects. The research focuses on how Termsoup was utilised in a graduation project course, particularly emphasising its ability to generate a corpus for ESP writing. Ten senior students participated in the study, where they were tasked with composing a tourism-related text both with and without the AI assistance of Termsoup. The findings demonstrated significant improvement in the students' use of descriptive sentence structures when employing the tool. Additionally, the study highlights how the corpus creation feature of Termsoup was effectively utilised to review student writing and promote learner autonomy. By examining students' interactions with AI-assisted tools during the writing process, this study underscores the dual benefits of such technology: enhancing the quality of ESP writing and fostering learner independence. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on AI-supported language learning, suggesting that leveraging CAT tools can promote greater autonomy and improve ESP writing skills in interdisciplinary educational contexts.